Igede HisTory
The Igede people are a Nigerian ethnic group[2] in Lower Benue State of Nigeria.[3] They are native to the Oju and Obi local government areas of Nigeria, where 2006 population figures stand at an estimated 267,198 people.[4] However, many Igede people are dispersed across the state and the Nation. For instance, the Igede language is also spoken in Nigeria’s Cross River State, and many Igede communities exist in Osun State and Ogun State.[5]
The Igede language is a member of the Benue-Congo subgroup of the Niger-Congo language family.
Geographical location[edit source]
The Oju Local Government Area was created in 1976 and shares boundaries with present-day Obi, Ado, Konshisha and Gwer East Local Government Areas of Benue State, Ebonyi and Izzi Local Government Areas of Ebonyi State, and Yala Local Government Area of Cross River State. It is headquartered in Oju Town.[citation needed]
The Obi Local Government Area was created in 1996 and has its headquarters at Obarike-Ito. The local government area derives its name from the Obi stream that flows in the area and shares boundary with Ado, Otukpo and Oju local government areas of Benue State.[citation needed]
History[edit source]
Origin: Oral tradition[edit source]
The Igede trace their origin to Sabon Gida Ora in present-day Edo state. They are said to be the descendants of Agba, a high chief in Sabon Gida Ora. A skirmish between the Igede and the natives of Ora led to their migration from that region to present-day Benue state through Nsukka in Enugu state. This historical event in Igede history is commonly recounted in song and drama, for instance the record and drama piece “Ego ny’Igede”.[6]
Origin: Archival records[edit source]
Archival records portray them as migrants from Ogoja province who have increasingly adopted the culture and practices of the Idoma.[7]
Administration and politics[edit source]
Politically, the Igede falls under the Benue South senatorial district.[8]
Igede culture[edit source]
The Igede are predominantly farmers cultivating maize, cassava, groundnut, and yams. Igede is home of the popular Igede-Agba festival, a colorful annual celebration that marks the yam harvest season in September.[9]
Igede traditional clothes are blue, black, and white stripes.[citation needed]
Source: Wikepedia